A Collection of Italian Playing Cards in Uncut and Proof State
Genoa and Milan: Faustino Solesio and Giuseppe Beghi, c1900-1930. Twelve folio sheets of playing cards in various states of production, totaling 362 cards. Woodcut printed sheets measure between approximately 510 × 340mm and 575 × 390mm. Printed in one to eight colors on thin paper or cardstock, one with a printed decorative back. Two sheets with penciled marginal annotations. Light general wear mostly confined to the blank margins; a few sheets with minor foxing, soiling, short tears, or small losses; overall condition ranges from very good to near fine. Item #1359
1. Three duplicate sheets (540 × 390mm) of uncut court cards on heavy paper, not identified but likely Solesio, Milan, ca. 1900, printed 1929. Kings, Queens, and Jacks in half-length, mirrored design, printed in black. One sheet with pencil annotation in Italian: "Saragossa-type French-suited playing cards. These two zinc plates were never used because they were too ugly; it was also an experiment for the copper plate of Rome—printing office… copies pulled on 6-VI-29 (6 June 1929)." Very good, with some stains and losses to the extremities not touching the printed area.
2. Three duplicate sheets (the largest 570 × 380mm) of uncut court cards on heavy paper, Faustino Solesio, Milan, ca. 1900, printed 1929. Kings, Queens, and Jacks in full-length design, printed in black. One sheet with pencil annotation in Italian: "Genovesi-type cards. These two zinc plates, clearly recent, because too dark and over-inked, were never used; they were an experiment, copies pulled on 6-VI-29 from the 3rd plate. Disregard a date around 1880." Very good, with some stains and losses to the extremities not touching the printed area.
3. Five sheets (510 × 345mm) of uncut court and pip cards on cardstock, Faustino Solesio, ca. 1930. Printed in color; half-length, mirrored design for the court cards. One duplicate mixed court and pip sheet; the other three are unique pip sheets. Near fine.
4. One sheet (530 × 395mm) of uncut playing cards on cardstock, Giuseppe Beghi, Milan, ca. 1920. Printed in color; the court cards depict famous figures and events rather than generic Kings, Queens, and Jacks. Some soiling and wear, very good.
Price: $500.00